Israel and Palestine are in my prayers these days after news of a shooting on the Temple Mount/Haram esh-Sharif and heightened security measures. I visited the Temple Mount for the first time this summer on a trip to Israel.

Our guide on the trip shared a helpful bit of regional geography that linked to a spiritual analogy. She said that the Dead Sea and the Sea of Galilee are both fed by the Jordan River.

What’s different about them? The Dead Sea is the lowest spot on earth. It has little to nothing living in its waters due to the high salinity. Why is the salt content so high? There is no outlet for the water and it can only evaporate- leaving the salt behind.

In contrast, we visited the Sea of Galilee. The minute we arrived I could see people boating, swimming and playing.

I didn’t run a water test but I can say that after swimming in both the Dead Sea and the Sea of Galilee that the water was fresh and more pleasant in the latter. Geographically, the Sea of Galilee flows back into the Jordan River, allowing the water to cycle through and be fresh.

Though both bodies of water are fed by the same source, only the Sea of Galilee allows the water to flow in and out. It’s interesting that the Dead Sea region is depicted in the Bible through the Old Testament story in Genesis 19 when Lot’s wife turns into a pillar of salt as they leave Sodom as the angels had admonished Lot to not look back. This brings new meaning to the popular expression for being angry, “She’s salty!”

On the other hand, the Sea of Galilee is referenced to endlessly in the New Testament with records of healing and storms stilled. I’ve learned through reading the gospels that inspiration comes from God and is expressed outwardly to help calm people’s fears and heal.

What’s the point? We may be at the lowest point in our life and we may be looking backwards like Lot’s wife but we can’t flourish in this gridlocked mentality. In contrast, we may be ready to walk on water or heal the sick but we must acknowledge our source as God or we will quickly run dry.

I love this verse from a hymn in the Christian Science Hymnal:

Hymn 360:2 “Is the heart a well left empty? None but God its void can fill; Nothing but a ceaseless fountain Can its ceaseless longings still. Is the heart a living power? Self-entwined its strength sinks low; It can only live in loving, And, by serving, love will grow.”

It hit me. In life, if we don’t express or allow the good we receive to flow back out and on to the next person we are becoming stagnant and dead.

In addition, if we are only giving and giving from a human and not a divine standpoint or with a recognition of our divine, universal, and unceasing source, aka God, we will run dry and be tired.

The early Christian, James, called all followers of Christ not just be a hearer of the word but a doer. “…be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” James 1:22

Don’t just soak up the Truth for your own pleasure but give it, live it and share it freely.

I remember when I was a few years out of college. A dorm director position opened up for me at the boarding school where I was teaching. My prayers and guidance from God felt confident and clear that this was a great post for me. It was great. I loved the students and my colleagues. The work felt purposeful and it was an outlet for my desire to create community and nurture others. Yet, midyear I remember thinking, “Whoah! I am running 24/7. I am not even 30 and I have a family of 20 people for whom I am responsible. This is not normal! This is too much. The stakes are high!”

On the heels of that same feeling of being overwhelmed was the voice of God reassuring me, “Hey! I brought you to this place of giving. I will sustain you just like the children of Israel in the wilderness. I will be with you.”

I felt that divine conviction of being brought into the work of being a dorm director and felt sustained by God right through it. The impasse of doubt and feeling overwhelmed abated. The work definitely prepared me for future work and being a parent.

No doubt, the same Truth that God is our source and our giving is divinely supplied applies to the conflict over the Temple Mount/Haram esh-Sharif. God is speaking to each person. Jews, Muslims and their brothers and sisters around the world like you and me hear God. God loves and sustains each person. Our roots and heritage is one of Love and devotion to one loving God not conflict and suspicion. We show our love for God through pure prayer and daily actions that heal. Allow compromise. Yield to God. Allow fresh solutions and non-tribal mentality. “Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us?”
Malachi 2:10

It’s summer! There are so many fun things to do. How do we know what to do each day? What is most purposeful?

One thing I like to do in the summer is to read. Stories often captivate and bring me fresh perspective, especially when I am having a tough time in life.

The other day our daughter pulled a story off the shelf. It was one about Nehemiah and how he re-builds the wall around Jerusalem. She affectionately named it, “Me and Maya!” For a helpful synopsis of the story, click here.

As I re-read this children’s story, I could see that Nehemiah encountered, deception, distraction, and discouragement. This isn’t a modern phenomenon! I was refreshed and strengthened by three new insights that I gained from this story. I hope they help you.

Starting a new thing– Nehemiah is prudent when he started a new thing. Before he goes to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem, he prays first for guidance! His prayers show him that this isn’t just about restoring the city physically, but rejuvenating the people of Jerusalem spiritually. No doubt, he needs this bigger perspective for such a tough job. It makes sense that Nehemiah’s efforts begin with meekness. I believe that this quality of meekness keeps him from later submitting to deception, distraction and discouragement from his opponents.

In our lives, we often have a good idea about a start-up business, a project to complete at home, a blog post to write, or a new program to help our community. But it’s sad, we give up so easily. We are easily deterred when we encounter red-tape, run out of funds, or let unrelated endeavors crowd out our initial focus. Instead of feeling defeated, we can turn back to a spiritual sense of purpose- which is often simple, genuine and altruistic. For me, I use the basic teachings of Christ to gauge my purpose- to Love God and to love my neighbor. I ask myself constantly, “Does this activity- thought- approach help other people? Does it magnify God or me?” Where the purpose is pure the project has a way of moving forward.

Continuing this idea of starting a new idea with discretion, I found it unusual that Nehemiah appeals to King Artaxerxes for resources without explicitly stating it is Jerusalem that he wants to save. Why was Nehemiah so sneaky? One scholar explains, “He may have known that Artaxerxes had stopped the rebuilding of Jerusalem because of the charge that it had been a notoriously rebellious city.” (The New Interpreter’s Bible vol. 3 pg. 756) Nehemiah isn’t sure if the king was friend or foe. To me, it seems Nehemiah wants to protect the building project until it gets going. When you start something new it’s easy for people to give their opinions, voice concerns, or weigh-in on what you are doing. Sometimes input is helpful but sometimes it’s good to let the idea or the project take root before other people’s doubts can quash it.

Finally, on this topic of starting a new thing, I found it refreshing that Nehemiah goes out to assess Jerusalem’s wall in the night, without fanfare, campaigning, Tweeting, or a fundraising endeavor! He went privately. I’m reminded of the time when my husband and I were expecting our daughter. It was a happy but quiet time. We prayed daily to know her spiritually- with unlimited potential, purity, goodness, and health. Like Nehemiah, praying first has been foundational- a point of reference for us as parents in these early years.

Small people do BIG things– Regardless of your status or place in life, you can still make a BIG difference. Don’t let deception, distraction, or discouragement keep you from breaking through. Look at Nehemiah. He is a captive Jew in Shushan. Sure, he has a favorable post as a cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, but ultimately he is not free. What entitles a servant, like Nehemiah, to make such a big ask of the king? I think it’s divine conviction- divine authority that comes from Nehemiah’s prayers. It’s a holy feeling like, “Wow! This is a big project but you’re right on track!” Nehemiah was first asking God and then the king. I guess it’s important to evaluate who we are asking for help.

Some days, you might feel like Nehemiah, a little fish in a big pond looking for a job, deciding to homeschool your children, going to a new job, graduating college, or moving to a new neighborhood. You might be the minority in this big world, but you can still do big and wonderful things- especially when you recognize that of course this is bigger than you!

What helped Nehemiah? Again, it was prayer. Developing a practice of prayer is what I’ve learned to do when I feel small. Nehemiah prays when things are tough and he prays when things are good. Talking through the story with my daughter we asked ourselves, “When is a good time pray?” Always!

Day and Night- When Nehemiah faces threats, he doesn’t throw in the towel. He works harder and so do the other builders with some encouragement. I’m asking myself, “When the going gets tough, do I give up or give it over to God?” This commentary of Proverbs 16:3 puts it plainly; “Roll the burden of thy care upon God, and leave it with him, by faith and dependence on him.” (Henry, Matthew. Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible. London, 1706) When I know that the burden is on God and not me, I feel lighter and more trusting.

In the end, I was glad for the reminders to:

Be mart about starting a new thing- keep it sacred

Be sincere and acknowledge our spiritual GIGANTICNESS-we can all make a difference

Keep at it day and night because the responsibility is on God- not us.

When the task at hand is big, press on! Deceiving, distracting, and discouraging thoughts can feel relentless, but we can return to our purest, simplest, and most honest motive for doing something to help us move forward.

Why does Nehemiah’s story matter? When we persist from a sacred place we are winning. When we start from a place of self-interest like, “How will this look on my resume? What’s in it for me?” -we hit a wall.

Spiritual practice in the face of opposition, shows me that we aren’t slaves. It would be insincere to say that life is easy if you only pray and follow God, but at least prayer and spiritual retreat give you that God calibration that is needed.

We can move forward from dark thoughts to light. This story helped me to see that our spiritual heritage shows us that we are worthy- not lowly. Like Nehemiah who preserved the wall, the city, and ultimately the people’s faith, God is keeping us on track. Keep with it.

]]>https://lovesdivineadventure.org/2016/06/04/deceived-distracted-discouraged-lessons-from-nehemiah/feed/0Wallgkm116363Summer photoFashion vs. Spirituality- clothing the worldhttps://lovesdivineadventure.org/2016/01/05/fashion-vs-spirituality-clothing-the-world/
https://lovesdivineadventure.org/2016/01/05/fashion-vs-spirituality-clothing-the-world/#commentsTue, 05 Jan 2016 18:12:33 +0000http://lovesdivineadventure.org/?p=902It’s a new year. It’s time for cleaning closets, taking stock, and letting go of old ways of thinking. It’s time for new thoughts and new actions- new modes of living.

In a conversation with a friend yesterday, we both questioned, “Are fashion and spirituality mutually exclusively?”

This friend has a deep love of fashion design but finds that it often butts heads with her spiritual values. She loves the artistry of fashion, but fears that if she were to pursue a career in this field, intensely focused on outward appearances, that she might not be focused on cultivating the things of the Spirit.

As I prayed about this topic to try to understand the real issue or a new way to consider these things- the conversation felt superficial at a time when immigrants are making harrowing trips across seas with nearly the shirts on their backs. But as I deepen and broaden my prayer I’m ready to be still enough to really hear God and to consider the necessity of beauty and proper clothing for all.

Here are a few of the verses from the Bible and articles that have brought me insight.

“Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.”

What God gives is steady, clean, beautiful and inspired- God is constant source- universal good. Following a career in fashion- following a path to a better life is following light and hope. This spiritual gift to look beyond decay and weariness is refreshing, even when that decay and weariness surface in our wardrobe, mental space, career opportunities, or loss of home/familiarity.

On the other hand, Jesus cautions the leaders of the temple against fake behavior aka making clean the outside of the platter. Today, are we being distracted from spiritual genuineness- study and prayer, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.”

I love this quote. When I read it, I ask myself, “Am I prioritizing the externals- pursuit of material things? Am I living close to my ideal that my sense of beauty and abundance stem from a deep and settled love of God who is never out of style- God who is sufficient and comforting for all?”

That’s what I can share today. I invite your thoughts and prayers too as we start afresh and wrap the world in love- anchor ourselves in things that last and satisfy.

https://lovesdivineadventure.org/2016/01/05/fashion-vs-spirituality-clothing-the-world/feed/2fashion-man-person-winter-mediumgkm116363suit-couple-blue-shoes-mediumPeace For A New Momhttps://lovesdivineadventure.org/2015/09/09/peace-for-a-new-mom/
https://lovesdivineadventure.org/2015/09/09/peace-for-a-new-mom/#respondWed, 09 Sep 2015 20:05:47 +0000http://lovesdivineadventure.org/?p=896We had a great summer. There was a little time for writing. Here is a re-post of a piece written for the Christian Science Monitor in August. Thanks, neighbor Kent for sharing the image.

Enjoy!

]]>https://lovesdivineadventure.org/2015/09/09/peace-for-a-new-mom/feed/0Lilygkm116363Be true- not polite!https://lovesdivineadventure.org/2015/05/21/be-true-not-polite/
https://lovesdivineadventure.org/2015/05/21/be-true-not-polite/#respondThu, 21 May 2015 15:13:48 +0000http://lovesdivineadventure.org/?p=879I haven’t written any posts for about a year! It’s been a year of much change.

In November we relocated. My husband is going back to school, our daughter is enjoying new friends at the local child care center, and I have a new job at the college where Mat is studying. I work as a Resident Counselor which feels like an extension of my healing practice.

The school year doesn’t afford much time for writing so here it is, Summer Break- time to share some spiritual lessons.

Here is a simple lesson that I came across in my study of the Bible this morning.

In the beginning of Mark 7 the Pharisees and scribes are disgusted when they see the disciples eating and didn’t, “wash up” before eating!

From a cursory look at the significance of hand washing before meals in Judaism, I learned that it is one of the most sacred hand washing rituals of the day. I imagine the ritual is partly practical regarding cleanliness, as it is also devotional.

“The most developed and, perhaps, important of these washings is the washing of hands before eating bread. Such washing of hands is called in Hebrew, netilat yadayim, meaning ‘the lifting up of the hands.’ It is looked upon with such rigidity, that those who willfully neglect its practice are said to make themselves liable to excommunication, and bring upon themselves a state of scarcity, and are quickly taken out of the world.”

And then I wonder, “If I unearth some tired modes of thinking does that mean I have a long road ahead to get back on track?”

I don’t think so- I think it is more immediate.

In conjunction with the Bible, I study Mary Baker Eddy’s book Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures. In the chapter, “Recapitulation” she writes, “…come naturally into Spirit through better health and morals as the result of spiritual growth.” pg 485

This is a call to be more disciple-like to take the plunge- to not stand on ceremony or to be preoccupied with culture, fear, time, or politeness. It is in me to be true- to be pure. It is in you.

]]>https://lovesdivineadventure.org/2015/05/21/be-true-not-polite/feed/0IMG_5023gkm116363IMG_5030IMG_5014Palestine and Israel- “Middle of Love”https://lovesdivineadventure.org/2014/07/23/palestine-and-israel-middle-of-love/
https://lovesdivineadventure.org/2014/07/23/palestine-and-israel-middle-of-love/#respondWed, 23 Jul 2014 20:12:18 +0000http://lovesdivineadventure.org/?p=871I’ve been thinking about what fuels our prayers? Is it selfish desire? Is it genuine love for God, for another, and humility? Does prayer bring us to our knees and a place of newness? Or do we come out the same way we went in- with a hard heart?

These two quotes from authors Mary Baker Eddy and Etgar Keret shed light on this question about genuine prayer as it relates to the conflict in the Middle East.

Eddy writes, “The test of all prayer lies in the answer to thesequestions: Do we loveourneighborbetter because ofthis asking?Do we pursue the old selfishness, satisfied with having prayed for somethingbetter, though we give no evidence of the sincerity of our requests by living consistently with ourprayer?If selfishness has given place to kindness,we shall regard ourneighbor unselfishly, and blessthem that curse us; but we shall never meet this greatduty simply by asking that it may be done.” Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures 9:5

Keret responds in a recent interview, “Well, you know, if you talk to everybody in Israel – the most militant extreme Sunni right-wing people or the most radical (unintelligible) leftists – they all would say to you that they really want peace, but the thing is that most of the people yearn for peace without giving anything in return. You know, it’s kind of a peace of earth kind of thing. You know, you pray to God to give you peace. But if you exchange this word for compromise – when you say you have to acknowledge the fact that it’s an agreement that you have to reach with somebody else and that it’s an agreement you have to pay something for. So I would want to differentiate between people who seek peace and people who seek compromise because a lot of the people here seek peace – don’t want to compromise. They want peace with God not with the Palestinians.”

I don’t live in the Middle East, but I can practice peace and compromise where I am. Peace is possible when I am willing to give up the need to be right or win the argument. Instead, I yield to God and to the love I know that is possible with my neighbor. I can practice this in my home, with my family, in my church and neighborhood. I offer this poem as a prayer for all.

Middle of Love

I’m in the middle of Love,

safe from beneath, around and above.

If I face a wall

or feel very small-

I will remember that I’m in the middle of Love.

I’m in the middle of Love,

Holy Spirit is lifting me like a dove.

I’m not too young and I’m not too old

I’m proof of God’s forever bold

here in the middle of Love.

And sometimes when I’m restless, angry, or low

I can take possession of my body to let fear know

there’s no enemy too great-

no mortal story of fate-

that can take me from the middle of Love.

We’re in the middle of Love.

We’re safe from beneath, around and above.

With God we ARE one.

Good cannot be undone.

Stay in the heart of Love.

Ginger Mack Emden

]]>https://lovesdivineadventure.org/2014/07/23/palestine-and-israel-middle-of-love/feed/020140723-140905-50945004.jpggkm116363100-Names for Godhttps://lovesdivineadventure.org/2014/05/07/100-names-for-god/
https://lovesdivineadventure.org/2014/05/07/100-names-for-god/#respondWed, 07 May 2014 19:28:37 +0000http://lovesdivineadventure.org/?p=859Bless this warm day and my kind neighbor who has the baby for the afternoon! These thoughts come from an email that I shared with someone earlier this year. Enjoy!

I had such a fun time last week thinking about names for God- getting to know God in fresh ways. It’s so easy for me to say, “Yeah, yeah, I know God!” But in my heart do I consider the ways in which God is present right now?

In the faith tradition of Islam, there are 100 names for God. I encourage you to make a chart of 100 names for God. I found that when we turn to God- the hub of all thinking, living, being, and activity we find peace- we find true power and we find others who love to worship God.
Below you can find my list of 100 names for God and two short stories about how this deeper awareness of God brought spiritual solutions for me last week.

First- It’s been freezing in Wisconsin! Getting out of the house with our infant daughter Lily is quite a process. I had been working on a writing project and needed to scan/send a document back to the editor. I was bummed when my scanner didn’t work. My IT skills are minimal.

The thought of hauling our daughter out to a neighbor’s house or to the library seemed daunting. Instead of starting my day with this mayhem I went back and took time to pray. The concept of power came up as I prayed. I knew that power wasn’t in human events, deadlines, a brain, and machines not working. Power is finding that “central stillness” (Science and Health with key to the Scriptures pg. 121:24) with God. God is the hub and we are the spokes of the wheel. If the spokes try to manage, connect, and advise on the outer part of the wheel- the wheel loses its TRUE-NESS and integrity. We connect at this point of divine common ground, one God, and central stillness.
It wasn’t a big surprise when later that day I returned to my computer and printer to find that the scanner worked. I was able to scan/send the document without any hassle. I understood that God really was the only power. I sure didn’t have the power!
Second- when we pray it’s helped me to see that I am not praying just for myself. I am not doing some spiritual thing separate from the world to make my life better. There really is a community/world-wide impact that comes from prayer and understanding God. I was thinking about this when our family of three went for a run on Saturday afternoon. I was praying, “How does this activity of running and joy bless my community?” I felt myself saying, “I’m not sure how- but I know it does.”

It wasn’t long before I saw one way in which this fitness and readiness to help/serve others proved to be a blessing. Our family was at Target the next day. As we entered the store, a woman in the parking area was hobbling after her toddler- yelling in distress for her little one to come back to her. Giggling and running on the child was headed toward a busy road. I realized that this mother needed some help!

I quickly ran up to the child- grabbed her hand and guided her back to her mom. In tears the mother said, “It’s just that I can’t run.” I hugged her and said, “It’s okay.” I told her that I was a mom too and reassured her that she was in good company- maybe even God’s company? I reminded the little girl of the importance to listen to her mama. As I walked away, tears flooded my eyes and I had an even clearer glimpse that yes God is Parent.
“Man is never God, but spiritual man, made in God’s likeness, reflects God.” SH 70:7-8

Take stock- account for the hundreds of ways God is present today- now. If you’d like to share any of your names for God please feel free to in the comment section below.

Abundantly yours,
Ginger

100 Names for God

1.

Forgiver

41.

Builder

81.

Cause

2.

Friend

42.

Still-small voice

82.

Law

3.

Parent

43.

Spirit

83.

Substance

4.

Guide

44.

Maker of Room

84.

Detective for Good

5.

Guardian

45.

Home

85.

Partner

6.

Employer

46.

Center

86.

Abundance

7.

Counselor

47.

Boundless

87.

Soul

8.

Ever-Presence

48.

Teacher

88.

Composer

9.

Source

49.

Adviser

89.

Nourisher

10.

All

50.

Committee of One

90.

Defender

11.

Patient-One

51.

Bold Love

91.

Health Care Provider

12.

Good

52.

Holy One

92.

Stillness

13.

Divine Architect

53.

Dynamic Life

93.

Initiative

14.

Designer

54.

Scooper upper of those in need

94.

Family

15.

Giver

55.

Maintainer of Peace

95.

Universal Solvent/Solver

16.

All-mighty

56.

Principle

96.

Thinker- I

17.

Creator

57.

Truth

97.

I am

18.

Includer

58.

Order

98.

Eternal

19.

Knower of Good

59.

New Life

99.

Abba/Papa

20.

Doer

60.

Ageless Being

100.

Divine Energy (Science and Health w/key to the Scriptures pg. 249:6)

21.

Done

61.

Wholeness

22.

Outcome/Income

62.

Divine Orator

23.

One True Power

63.

Energizing Rhythm

24.

Love

64.

Governor

25.

Intelligence

65.

Alpha-Omega

26.

Harmonizer

66.

Great

27.

First-Responder

67.

Alive- one

28.

Humorist

68.

Lord

29.

Equalizer

69.

Father

30.

Stabilizer

70.

Mother

31.

Balancer

71.

Redeemer

32.

Voice of Reason

72.

Seer

33.

Calm

73.

Spirit

34.

Peace

74.

Purifier

35.

Compassion

75.

Cleanser

36.

Non-judgment

76.

Donor

37.

Strength

77.

Developer

38.

Protector

78.

Authority

39.

Advocate

79.

Owner

40.

Judge

80.

Engineer

]]>https://lovesdivineadventure.org/2014/05/07/100-names-for-god/feed/0photogkm116363” ‘Hid with Christ’ not judged”https://lovesdivineadventure.org/2014/02/14/hid-with-christ-not-judged/
https://lovesdivineadventure.org/2014/02/14/hid-with-christ-not-judged/#respondFri, 14 Feb 2014 20:00:54 +0000http://lovesdivineadventure.org/?p=854Have you ever felt judged? Embarrassed that something in your life is unhealed? Here is an article from the April 22, 2013 issue of the Christian Science Sentinel about a time when I felt that way and how I prayed about it to overcome internal and external criticism.

This article was originally printed in the Christian Science Monitor. The anecdote came out of a recent Sunday School class. I appreciated the student’s fresh outlook on how we identify ourselves and others.

We have a new member of our family, Lily! Mat and I have been happily occupied getting to know Lily. I look forward to sharing more about what she is teaching me about this divine adventure. A most blessed and abundant Thanksgiving to all.

Purpose is something we might work a lifetime to define and yet it’s so much a part of who we are it’s easy to overlook. Purpose is one of those things that no one can give to you, but that you have to recognize within- by listening to your heart- to God.

Often, our purpose isn’t popular or conventional. That’s why it takes courage to honor one’s purpose even if everyone else doesn’t get it or support it. And though we might feel in conflict with the people around us, the world needs us to live with integrity to this calling.

This line about purpose stuck out to me in the recent watching of Martin Scorsese’s 2011 film, Hugo Cabret, based on Brian Selznick’s book Hugo Cabret.

The main character Hugo, a young orphan, explains to his friend,

“I’d imagine the whole world was one big machine. Machines never come with any extra parts, you know. They always come with the exact amount they need. So I figured if the entire world was one big machine I couldn’t be an extra part. I had to be here for some reason. And that means that you have to be here for some reason, too.”

What an encouraging reminder, there are no extra parts to divine creation! No idea can be wasted, no person is a loser, and no good intent can be lost. We function and belong to God’s intelligent creation. Our purpose is a blessing to other people and we are blessed by their commitment to something beyond themselves.

Mary Baker Eddy speaks to this idea of purpose in her book Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,

“Spirit, God, gathers unformed thoughts into their proper channels, and unfolds these thoughts, even as He opens the petals of a holy purpose in order that the purpose may appear.” SH 506:18

In our lives and work, maybe we start out on a project, a paper, or with a new assignment without a clear sense of direction- but as we align our purpose with God we find things unfold in a way that blesses.

In another part of her writings Eddy posits the following statement in response to the question, “What am I?”

“I am able to impart truth, health, and happiness, and this is my rock of salvation and my reason for existing.” My 165:18

How great to see that purpose isn’t so much the activity or work that start with ambition but stem from the qualities of “truth, health, and happiness” that we impart each day. This is much bigger than a resume or an evaluation.

I had a conversation with an artist friend this summer on this theme of purpose. She’s now doing her art full-time and has discontinued other teaching engagements and other work in her field to focus exclusively on large graphite drawings of coastal rocks.

From her comments, I gathered that it hasn’t been easy to narrow the scope of her work as she has many interests- not to mention the challenge of finding time to do her work, maintain a website, do shows in galleries and keep up with personal commitments

When I asked her pointedly, “Why choose rocks? Why this subject matter and medium?” She responded that this was her calling. This specific technique and subject matter was, “…what was in my heart.”

This said to me that there was more than a professional purpose or artist statement driving her work, she has a “holy purpose.” This conversation helped me to remember the value of my work and like any good machine- each part helps and works together to show us more of the intelligent creator who is God.